Social media platforms to deploy fact checkers to curb fake news: CEC
New Delhi: Social media platforms will deploy "appropriate fact checkers" to scan fake news and use of abusive language ahead of Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission said Sunday.
Announcing the poll schedule here, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said each of the social media platforms has created a mechanism to accept only pre-certified political advertisements during the election process and will share the expenditure incurred in this regard with election authorities.
He said all election management-related news on all major national and regional news channels would be monitored vigorously during the election.
"If any untoward incident or violation of any law is noticed, action would be taken immediately," Arora said.
All platforms have agreed to establish priority channels for EC for a quick response. They have also appointed grievance officers for the election, scheduled from April 11 to May 19.
"(The) platforms are already taking action against fake accounts, spam by deploying fact checkers," he said.
Responding to a question on action EC can take against the platforms, he said social media and print media are not covered under the election law.
The election results will be declared on May 23.
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Cop commits suicide with service pistol in Amravati QRT office
Amravati (PTI): A police constable allegedly committed suicide on Thursday in the Quick Response Team (QRT) office in Maharashtra's Amravati city, an official said.
He identified the deceased as Vijay Dilip Nagapure, who had joined the force in 2014. Unmarried Nagapure was a native of Dhamangaon Katpur in Morshi taluka, the official added.
"Nagapure completed his night duty at around 9am this morning but stayed back at the QRT office located on the commissionerate campus. He shot himself in the head with his service pistol. A forensic team and a dog squad checked the site. The bullet has been recovered," the official said.
Nagapure had spoken to his brother shortly before taking the extreme step, he said.
All angles in the case are being probed under the guidance of commissioner Rakesh Ola, the official added.
